Frank Davies, lead counsel for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its public statements regarding the ongoing investigation into the SML contract. Davies accused the OSP of engaging in a “trial by public opinion,” asserting that such public pronouncements undermine the legal process and violate the ethics of the profession.
Davies’ comments come amid growing media attention around the investigation, with the OSP issuing public statements that have left many questioning the direction of the case. In his response, Davies highlighted that no formal charges have been filed against Ofori-Atta, and yet the public discourse seems to presuppose guilt.
“There’s no point coming to a court of public opinion and saying all kinds of things as if you’re convicting people who are yet to be charged. It’s an affront to the ethics of our profession,” said Davies on Asaase Radio.
He emphasized that the presumption of innocence should be upheld in the court of law, not in the court of public opinion.
Davies also took the opportunity to assert that his client, Ken Ofori-Atta, remains unafraid of any legal proceedings. The former finance minister, according to Davies, is fully prepared to face the OSP in court once formal charges are brought forward.
“Kenneth Ofori-Atta is not scared of prosecution. When the OSP is ready to press charges, we will meet them in court,” Davies stated with confidence, stressing that his client has nothing to hide.
In his criticism, Davies urged the OSP to focus on following the proper legal channels rather than using the media to create public sentiment against individuals under investigation.
“A trained lawyer knows his place — in court, not on radio,” said Davies, expressing his frustration with the OSP’s approach. He called on the office to conduct investigations within the boundaries of the law and avoid making public statements that could potentially prejudice the case.
Source: metrotvonline.com
